The Madras High Court has said international companies operating in India cannot claim any extra legal rights over Indian people and cannot prevent the public from holding demonstrations in front of their office.
Passing orders on petitions filed by Dow Chemicals seeking an interim injunction, restraining various organisations fighting for the cause of Bhopal Gas tragedy victims from holding any demonstration outside its office, Justice K Chandru said the people of India, empowered with the right provided in the Constitution, were entitled to air grievances on an issue.
The petitions were filed following a protest staged by people from Bhopal against Dow Chemicals in front of its office at Guindy on February 10.
The company lodged a police complaint and waited for two months before filing the present suit seeking a decree for a sum of Rs 10 lakh with interest on account of loss of business suffered among other things.
